Instant coffee often gets a bad rap. It’s often seen as the less glamorous cousin of traditionally brewed coffee, favored more for its convenience than its taste. Some people even think it’s bad for you.
Yet, in the ever-evolving landscape of coffee culture, instant varieties are stepping up, challenging preconceptions with robust flavors and noteworthy health benefits.
With countless blends and brands jostling for a spot in our mugs, which truly deserves the title of the best instant coffee? Read on to learn why one option stands out among the rest (cough, cough—IQJOE).
What Is Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee, also known as soluble coffee or coffee powder, is a beverage derived from brewed coffee beans. It's the result of an intricate process that involves brewing the coffee and then removing all its water content, leaving behind the dehydrated coffee crystals.
To make a cup of instant coffee, all you do is add the granules to hot water, stir until dissolved, and enjoy. Unlike brewing coffee from beans, instant coffee takes a minute or less to make (hence the term “instant”).
What to Look for in an Instant Coffee
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just someone looking for a quick caffeine fix, there are certain factors you should consider when choosing a high-quality instant coffee:
#1: Taste
For many people, the most crucial aspect of any coffee is its flavor. Whether it’s dark roast, medium roast, or light roast, look for brands that offer a rich, robust taste with no bitter aftertaste. Beyond the classic coffee essence, many brands offer a variety of flavor profiles to entice the palate. However, ensure these flavors are derived from natural sources, steering clear of those that resort to artificial flavors.
#2: Solubility
A good instant coffee should dissolve quickly and completely when added to hot water. It should provide a smooth experience, free from undesirable clumps or undissolved granules, making each sip consistent in flavor and texture.
#3: Pure Ingredients
The ingredient list is a transparent window into the quality and purity of what you’re about to consume. Steer clear of brands that rely on artificial flavors and sweeteners to mask inferior coffee quality.
These additives can not only dilute the authentic coffee experience but may also introduce potentially harmful chemicals into your diet. For instance, there is some evidence that consumption of artificial sweeteners may lower gut bacteria diversity, leading to digestive issues.[*]
#4: Low or No Sugar
Amidst growing health awareness, the sugar content in our foods is drawing heightened attention. Research suggests that excess added sugar intake can increase your risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, obesity, cognitive decline, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes.[*][*][*][*]. Given these findings, it’s crucial for those seeking health-conscious choices to select instant coffee brands with low or no sugar.
#5: Caffeine Content
Caffeine, often the driving force behind our coffee indulgence, carries with it a suite of benefits, including:
- Lower risk of neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, and cognitive decline [*][*][*][*]
- Reduced depression [*]
- Enhanced metabolism [*][*][*]
- Enhanced exercise performance [*][*]
- Heart health support [*]
For most people, there’s no need to shy away from high caffeine content, however, individual sensitivity to caffeine varies, so choose a coffee that aligns with your body’s preferences and needs. Some brands cater to the caffeine-sensitive crowd with decaf options, while others, like IQJOE, offer a bolder experience with a more pronounced caffeine punch. It’s all about finding the right balance that offers the effect you desire.
#6: Packaging
In the fast-paced rhythm of daily life, convenience is paramount. Single-serve packets have emerged as a favored choice for many, seamlessly fitting into various routines. Packets not only offer the perfect serving size for those on-the-go moments and travels, but also eliminate the guesswork by measuring out the ideal amount for a consistent brew each time.
With every packet, you’re ensured a perfectly portioned, hassle-free coffee experience tailored to today’s dynamic lifestyles.
Health Benefits
The world of instant coffee has evolved beyond just providing a caffeine kick. Today, many brands recognize the increasing consumer demand for health and wellness, leading to innovative blends enriched with additional beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and even adaptogens that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance.
What’s the Best Instant Coffee?
With all these factors weighed and measured, which instant coffee claims the crown? IQJOE emerges as the victor. Here’s why:
Flavor
Made with Brazilian coffee, IQJOE encapsulates the rich, nutty profiles that the region is celebrated for. This base is then complemented by five natural coffee flavor options, including the unadulterated purity of Original Black, the subtle notes of Vanilla Spice, the cozy warmth of Toasted Hazelnut, and the chocolatey depth of Caffè Mocha.
Do a taste test with our 16-Stick Variety Pack to find your favorite flavors!
Enhanced with Cognitive Boosters
IQJOE isn’t just about taste—it’s a finely crafted blend designed to uplift both body and mind. Central to its formulation are two standout ingredients chosen for their roles in promoting crash-free energy, enhancing cognitive performance, and elevating mood:
- Magtein (L-threonate): With a substantial 750mg dose of Magtein®, a clinically studied form of magnesium, IQJOE aims to bolster cognitive capabilities and stabilize mood. This particular form of magnesium is recognized for its potential benefits to brain health and overall mood enhancement.
- Lion’s Mane: Lion’s mane, a revered medicinal mushroom, has long been associated with cognitive benefits and brain health. With IQJOE mushroom coffee, you get a super-concentrated dose aimed at optimizing brain function.
Beyond their individual benefits, the synergistic combination of these two ingredients in IQJOE may also serve to temper the caffeine’s stimulating effects, helping to alleviate jitters and support a smooth, steady energy lift.
High Caffeine
IQJOE packs a potent 200mg of natural caffeine in each serving. This elevated caffeine content has the potential to sharpen alertness, enhance physical performance, boost your mood, and even reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Smooth Consistency
One of IQJOE’s standout qualities is how effortlessly it dissolves, resulting in a perfectly smooth and velvety texture in every cup. No grainy residues or patches of undissolved coffee here!
Free of Hidden Nasties & Many Common Allergens
In a world where ingredient transparency is paramount, IQJOE shines. It’s not just about what’s included in their blends, but also what’s deliberately left out. You won’t find gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs in our packets. Additionally, there are no artificial flavors or sweeteners, allowing for a pure and authentic coffee experience with every sip.
Sugar-Free
Health-conscious coffee enthusiasts can rejoice with IQJOE. While many instant coffee brands sneak in added sugars to enhance flavor, IQJOE stands firm in its commitment to health and authenticity by sticking to a sugar-free recipe.
Individual Packets
IQJOE comes in individual packets, ensuring every serving is perfectly measured and fresh. Whether you’re at home, traveling, or need a quick pick-me-up at work, these packets provide hassle-free preparation. No more guesswork, lugging around bulky jars, expensive trips to coffee shops, or relying on a coffee maker or espresso machine—just a perfect cup of coffee every single time.
Simply add a packet of IQJOE to 8-12 ounces of hot water, stir until dissolved, and enjoy crash-free energy!
Experience the IQJOE Difference
In the realm of instant coffee, IQJOE is truly in a league of its own. From its high content of natural caffeine to its cognitive enhancements to its delicious flavors, every cup of joe is a testament to quality and care.
☕️Coffee lovers: why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your coffee ritual? Take your mornings to new heights and embrace a blend that offers so much more than a morning jolt.
Written by Katie Koschalk, a health and wellness writer, certified holistic nutritionist, and certified personal trainer based in California.
